What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm
Aortic aneurysm is a pathological expansion of the aortic area caused by mechanical damage, atherosclerotic changes or congenital factors. Depending on the location of the pathology, aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, thoracic and thoraco-abdominal are distinguished. Aortic aneurysm treatment can be conservative and surgical.
Aneurysm classification:
- true (develops mainly in atherosclerosis and syphilis);
- false (formed from a hematoma resulting from an injury or after surgery);
- a disintegrating aortic aneurysm is associated with a rupture of the intima.
Aneurysm forms: sac-shaped, spindle-shaped.
The cause of congenital aneurysm is the pathology of wall development with the absence of the required amount of elastin and collagen. An acquired aneurysm is formed during the development of postoperative, fungal and syphilitic infection, as well as during a pronounced atherosclerotic process. The consequences of a rupture of the aorta without timely medical assistance are deplorable.
Aortic aneurysm formation
Important moments in the formation of pathology, along with damage to the vessel wall, are the direction of blood flow and mechanical pressure. If a healthy aorta is able to withstand a sharp increase in pressure during a hypertensive crisis, then the exhausted wall protrudes under such a load, contributing to the expansion of the cavity and a change in the flow direction. Prolonged sepsis in syphilis is considered the main cause of aneurysm of the ascending aorta.
Clinical manifestations of pathology
Symptoms depend on the location of the aneurysm, its type and type. In many cases, there are no symptoms. The main manifestations of the pathology are cough, pain in the heart, hoarseness of voice and difficulty swallowing. However, with rupture of a thoracic aorta aneurysm, the symptoms are pronounced. A rapid decrease in blood pressure, stabbing pain between the shoulder blades and in the heart, severe dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting are the main manifestations, which can be supplemented by loss of consciousness and loss of pulse in the lower extremities.
Clinical manifestations of rupture of the abdominal aorta:
- appearance of pulsation in the stomach;
- tachycardia and cold sweat;
- acute abdominal pain;
- sharp pallor of the skin;
- drop in blood pressure.
Aneurysm signs in children have their own characteristics. It should be noted that an aneurysm in a child is considered a congenital heart disease. Specialists include an atrial septal aneurysm (ASD) in this category.
Diagnostics
The doctor makes a diagnosis after examining the patient, taking into account clinical manifestations and the results of additional examinations (x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, computer tomography).
The X-ray is performed in three projections with mandatory contrast of the lumen of the esophagus. The pathology is characterized by the expansion of the shadow of the vascular bundle. Diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm is carried out in two projections and allows us to detect the usurpation of the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae and calcification of the aortic wall.
Ultrasound examination of the heart is prescribed to clarify the size of the aneurysm, as well as the condition of the vessels that depart from it.
Computer tomography helps to confirm or deny the delamination of the aorta walls.
Magnetic resonance angiography is used to clarify the functional and anatomical features of the blood vessel.
Our website https://dobrobut.com/ presents a list of medical and diagnostic measures that are carried out using modern technologies. Our doctors will advise you in any direction and tell you what an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is and the methods of its prevention.
Treatment of aortic aneurysm
Conservative therapy is used in patients without progression of pathology. The latter is mostly aimed at treating the underlying disease that led to the aneurysm and can provoke its rupture. Medicines that reduce blood clotting, painkillers, vitamins (to strengthen the walls of blood vessels), hypotensive drugs, drugs to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood - all this is prescribed by a doctor (vascular surgeon) after a comprehensive examination. Folk medicine will be an effective addition to the main treatment.
Aortic aneurysm surgery is indicated for patients with progressive disease. Surgical intervention is aimed at removing the pathological formation on the vessel (clipping of the aneurysm) and replacing part of it with a prosthesis (homograft). The latter, as a rule, are well received by the body and function perfectly throughout the patient's life.
Life after aneurysm removal
Timely surgical intervention and quality care after surgery guarantee a comfortable life. However, a lot also depends on the patient. Following the doctor's recommendations, preventive examination, regular medication and proper nutrition are factors that should be given special attention. Simply put, life after aneurysm removal largely depends on you.
Prevention of pathology
Prevention is based on a healthy lifestyle with complete rejection of bad habits (smoking, alcohol, fast food). In addition, you should regularly undergo a preventive examination by the main specialists, especially after the age of 40. Patients with a burdened heredity are recommended an annual extended examination, which includes an X-ray, MRI, computer tomography and laboratory research methods.
Remember that timely diagnosis and treatment in the early stages will help you forget about the disease almost forever. Contact the "Dobrobut" medical center. Our doctors will help solve any problem, including such a dangerous pathology as carotid artery aneurysm. Call - we work around the clock.
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